Laura Figi.jpg

Laura Figi

Senior Newsletter Editor

Laura Figi has called Austin home for more than 12 years and has been known to say it’s her “favorite city in the world.” A proud graduate of Texas State University, she’s been working in local news since 2020. When she’s not working and learning about the community, you can find her at the local thrift shop, spending time with her two cats, or listening to live music.

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The spurs coyote waves to the crowd in a close-up.
Events
Plan Ahead: Don’t miss these events happening in Austin
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
January 27, 2026
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
ATX_ParkerScott
Business
Keep Austin local: A growing guide to reader-recommended small businesses
Help us create a growing guide to small businesses by submitting your favorite local makers, restaurants, and professionals, and sharing this page with a friend.
January 26, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
ATX_book woman
Play
Read local: Books written by authors from Austin
Don’t forget to treat your shelf by picking up a new read — or two or three — that was written by your neighbor.
January 22, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
Four colorful cocktails on a wooden table, including a dark purple drink in a tall glass with a pink straw, a clear gin and tonic garnished with lemon, rosemary, and juniper berries, a golden drink with a lemon slice, and a pink cocktail with a salted rim and watermelon garnish.
Food
Meet the 2026 James Beard Award semifinalists from Austin
The 2026 James Beard Award season is upon us, and Austin has nine restaurants + foodies vying for a trophy.
January 21, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
A vibrant concert stage illuminated with neon blue, pink, and red lights, featuring a futuristic spaceship-inspired design. A large disco ball resembling a planet with rings hangs in the center, surrounded by a backdrop of glowing lines and space-themed visuals. Performers and musicians are on stage, dressed in colorful outfits, engaging with the crowd. Audience members can be seen in the foreground, capturing the moment with their phones. The atmosphere is lively and electrifying.
Play
70 upcoming concerts in Austin
From pop princesses to chart-topping bands, there’s no shortage of shows to see this year in the Live Music Capital of the World.
January 20, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
A close-up of food at Citizen Eatery
Live
Guide to vegan restaurants in Austin
Dig into delicious and nutritious plant-based fare in every corner of the Capital City.
January 16, 2026
 · 
London Gibson
A rendering of a lattice bridge above Waller Creek, surrounded by trees.
City
5 Major developments we’re watching in 2026
We see ribbon cuttings in Austin’s future, because the next decade has major projects that will change the shape of the city in store.
January 15, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
A plane flying over Austin-Bergstrom International Airport at dusk.
Travel and Outdoors
Fly away on one of these nonstop flights out of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport
You’ll never have to deal with a layover again, because these are just a few of ABIA’s nonstop flights, which will take you to over 100 cities in the US and abroad.
January 14, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
ATX_Matchbooks
Culture
Where to collect matchbooks in Austin
Dip your toes into “phillumeny,” aka the practice of collecting matchbooks, while you explore ATX and support local businesses at the same time.
January 13, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
A group of eight people, including Mayor Kirk Watson, stands outdoors on a sunny day, holding an oversized ceremonial check for $8.4 million made out to “Austin’s Parks” from the Austin City Limits Music Festival and C3 Presents. The check is dated May 7, 2025. One person is dressed in a colorful hummingbird costume, and the group is posed on a paved path in a park-like setting with grass, trees, and utility poles in the background.
City
Austin Parks Foundation awards new round of ACL Festival grants
The slate of new grants goes toward projects including new bridge construction, shade structure creation, and trail repair.
January 12, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
ATX_WatersParkHistoricalMarker
Culture
Flashback Friday: Learn about the hundreds of historical markers in Austin
Let’s take a deeper dive into some of Austin’s historical markers, the significance they hold, and how long they’ve been standing.
January 8, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
A view of Austin's skyline
Culture
How Austin ranked in studies during 2025
Austin made waves on dozens of studies, lists, and rankings, so we gathered some of the highest points the Capital City hit in 2025.
January 8, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
Outdoor display of thrifted clothing and goods in front of the Treasure City Thrift store in Austin, Texas.
Play
Happy Hauling: swap meets, co-ops, vintage, and resale shops in Austin
Here’s the deal — the resale and vintage shopping scene is stellar in the Capital City. Here are 21 markets and shops to stop by on your secondhand journey.
January 7, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
ATX_LacheMovement
Wellness
Resources to hit your New Year’s resolutions in 2026
If you have a goal you’re trying to hit in 2026, we’re here to help you make that as easy as possible by connecting you to our guides.
January 6, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
A spaceman kite floating facing down in front of a sky filled with dozens of other kites.
Play
Every Austin festival taking place in 2026
Save this page to plan your year’s worth of festivities.
January 6, 2026
 · 
London Gibson
ATX_HNYFounders
Business
How Austin entrepreneur Ross Cooley’s pre-workout made Forbes 30 Under 30
The Austinite and two college friends-turned-founders made the list with their honey-based performance gel, which is made with organic honey and clean ingredients.
January 5, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
ATX_LeonaDrinks
Food
Where to find a great mocktail in Austin
Whether you’re sober curious or fully alcohol-free, these ~30 Austin businesses serve up delicious mocktails you won’t want to miss.
January 2, 2026
 · 
London Gibson
A bustling street scene with people walking on wide sidewalks lined with trees and shops. Cars drive along the road under a blue sky with clouds.
City
City of Austin debuts plan recommendation for Historic 6th Street
Designs for the plan are expected to begin in early 2026, with construction slated to begin as quickly as 2027.
December 30, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
ATX_SkylinefromNido
Culture
26 reader questions for 2026 in Austin
We’re asking our readers to submit their top questions about Austin, and we’ll do our best to answer them in 2026.
December 30, 2025
 · 
Dylan Aycock
ATX_2025TopInterviews
Culture
8 of ATXtoday’s favorite interviews from 2025
Help us bid 2025 adieu by looking back on interviews with some of the most interesting Austinites we spoke with over the past year.
December 17, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
Two clear and blue drinks on the counter at Estelle's.
Food
ATX Drink Report: When Austinites spent the most money on alcohol
Plus, the JW Marriott holds the crown for the most alcohol sales in 2025, with over $4 million more than the second-place venue.
December 16, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
ATX_BillieEilishMoodyCenter
Business
The Moody Center named the Highest Grossing Venue Worldwide by Billboard
The Moody Center took the top slot in the 10,000-15,000-capacity category, cementing its prominence as an entertainment hub in the US.
December 15, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
ATX_UTVolleyballArena
Real Estate
UT Austin announces plans to design and build a new arena
The new arena would be home to the multi-champion Texas Women’s Volleyball team and would be able to seat ~6,000 fans near the Moody Center.
December 11, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
More than two million lights make up the 70+ displays and tunnels on the Trail. | Photo via @danyetteheine
Culture
9 holiday light displays in and around Austin to catch this season
Allow us to take you on a sleigh ride through the Austin area’s huge collection of holiday lights, shows, and displays.
December 9, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
ATX_CanyonClubICON
Real Estate
ICON and The Canyon Club debut collection of 3D-printed homes
The new homes will be up for sale on a fractional basis, giving owners shared access to the space and year-round resort benefits.
December 8, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
A vibrant brunch spread displayed on a wooden table, featuring dishes like blueberry pancakes with bacon and eggs, smoked salmon with toast, granola with fresh fruit, a sweet potato hash, and a frosted slice of cake. Drinks include an espresso martini, matcha latte, black coffee, and a cocktail garnished with a dried citrus slice. A colorful checkered booth lines the back of the table.
Culture
Restaurant Roundup: New and coming-soon restaurants in Austin
Dining in ATX is always a fresh experience, with new restaurants popping up all the time — and more on the way.
December 8, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
ATX_Forbes30Under30
Business
Meet the Austinites on the 2026 Forbes 30 Under 30 list
From venture capital to aerospace technology to puppy sweatshirts, these Austinites make up some of the most successful people in their fields.
December 4, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
ATX_2025SmallBusinessPassport
Culture
Shop around Austin with the 2025 ATX Small Business Passport
Do your holiday shopping while you get to know a few of Austin’s small businesses, all while earning discounts and potential prizes.
December 4, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
ATX_ATXwrapped
Culture
ATXtoday 2025 Recap: The top stories of 2025
It’s not just your year in music — we’ve also rounded up your year in local news from ATXtoday for our faithful readers.
December 3, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
ATX_CiccioBomba
Food
An Italian bakery co-owned by Tom Segura is now open in Austin
Ciccio Bomba’s pastries, sandwiches, brunch foods, and signature treats are now available for purcahse at Fareground in Downtown Austin.
December 2, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
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